Methods of using a single use multi-phase care system

ABSTRACT

A convenient single use multi-phase care system including multiple formulations can be packaged in one dispensing unit. The multi-phase care system is capable of separately dispensing one of the multiple formulations at a time in a sequential order to allow the consumer to dispense a daily care regimen one step at a time. In one embodiment, the daily care regimen is a multi-phase skin care system. In another embodiment, the daily care regimen is a multi-phase hair care system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/955,142, published as US Publication No. 2009/0156451, filedon Dec. 12, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to single use care systems fordispensing at least two separate formulations providing multiplebenefits to a user's skin, hair, and/or oral or mucosal areas.Specifically, the present disclosure is directed to a single dispensingunit including a multi-phase skin and/or hair care system, each phasehaving a separate formulation for providing a benefit to the user'sskin, body, and/or hair.

It has become increasingly popular for consumers to use daily productregimens for areas of the body, especially treating the skin and hair.Specifically, for facial treatment and care, consumers typically usemultiple formulations for cleansing, toning, and treating the skin ofthe face. Similarly, hair care regimens can include the multiple stepsof shampooing, conditioning, and treating the hair with three or moreseparate formulations. These separate formulations are generallypackaged in multiple bottles and tubes.

Having multiple packages can clutter countertops and make travelingcumbersome, particularly in view of recent airline regulations allowingonly a 3-ounce maximum for carry-on liquid products. Additionally, it isdifficult, if not impossible, to continuously perform these treatmentand care regimens when involved in outdoor activities such as camping.Due to these difficulties and inconveniences, often times, themulti-step care systems are interrupted or completely discontinued. Thisnon-continuous use can many times defeat the purpose of the care system,as generally these products must be used consistently or daily over anextended period of time to obtain the desired results.

As such, there is a need for a compact single use care system includingmultiple formulations packaged in one dispensing unit that allows theconsumer to dispense a daily care regimen one step at a time.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

It has been found that a convenient single use multi-phase care systemincluding multiple formulations can be packaged in one dispensing unit.The multi-phase care system is capable of separately dispensing one ofthe multiple formulations at a time in a sequential order to allow theconsumer to dispense a daily care regimen one step at a time. In oneembodiment, the daily care regimen is a multi-phase skin care systemincluding multiple formulations for cleansing, toning, and treating theskin. In another embodiment, the daily care regimen is a multi-phasehair care system including formulations for shampooing, conditioning,and treating the hair.

As such, the present disclosure is directed to a multi-phase care systemcomprising a dispensing unit. The dispensing unit comprises a firstphase comprising a first formulation capable of providing a firstbenefit and a second phase comprising a second formulation capable ofproviding a second benefit. The first and second formulations aredifferent formulations that are substantially immiscible. Furthermore,the first and second formulations are not capable of being dispensedfrom the dispensing unit simultaneously.

The present disclosure is further directed to a multi-phase skin caresystem comprising a dispensing unit. The dispensing unit comprises afirst phase comprising a cleansing formulation and a second phasecomprising a toning formulation. The cleansing and toning formulationsare different formulations that are substantially immiscible.Furthermore, the cleansing and toning formulations are not capable ofbeing dispensed from the dispensing unit simultaneously.

The present disclosure is further directed to a method of using amulti-phase care system. The method comprises dispensing a firstformulation from a dispensing unit; and dispensing a second formulationfor the dispensing unit. The first and second formulations are differentformulations that are substantially immiscible. Furthermore, the firstand second formulations are dispensed sequentially.

Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointedout hereinafter.

DEFINITIONS

Within the context of this specification, each term or phrase belowincludes the following meaning or meanings:

As used herein, “substantially immiscible” refers to at least twoformulations that will not mix to form a single phase, even after longterm storage; that is, the substantially immiscible formulations aresuch that upon dispensing there will still be independent formulationsto be dispensed separately. More specifically, the only mixing betweenthe two formulations could potentially be a small amount at theinterface of the formulations.

These terms may be defined with additional language in the remainingportions of the specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally related to single use multi-phasecare systems for dispensing at least two separate formulations providingmultiple benefits to a user's skin, hair, and/or oral or mucosal areasfrom a single dispensing unit. In one embodiment, the present disclosureis directed to a single dispensing unit including a multi-phase skincare system, each phase having a separate formulation for providing abenefit to the skin. In another embodiment, the present disclosure isdirected to a single dispensing unit including a multi-phase hair caresystem, each phase having a separate formulation for providing a benefitto the hair. It should be understood by a skilled artisan that, whileskin and hair care systems will be discussed herein, the multi-phasecare systems of the present disclosure can be used for various otherdaily regimens, such as for example, diaper rash treatment regimens andthe like.

Specifically, the multi-phase care systems of the present disclosureinclude a single dispensing unit. The dispensing unit can be anydispenser known in the art for dispensing liquid formulations and moreviscous cream lotions. A variety of dispensing units is known in the artand may be used in conjunction with the multi-phase care systems of thepresent disclosure. One particularly suitable dispensing unit is abottle dispenser. Bottle dispensing units for dispensing a liquidformulation are well known. Other suitable dispensing units may include,for example squeeze dispensing units, syringe dispensing units,cartridge dispensing units, and tube-type dispensing units.

As noted above, particularly preferred for use with the multi-phase caresystems of the present disclosure are bottle dispensing units.Conventional bottle dispensing units generally comprise a reservoir forstoring a liquid and a dispensing head.

Typically, the dispensing units used in the multi-phase care systems ofthe present disclosure can be any size suitable for use in theparticular daily regimen for which the particular multi-phase caresystem is designed. In light of the recent airline regulations, however,in one embodiment, it is particularly suitable that the dispensing unitbe of a size of 3 ounces or smaller. By being this size, the dispensingunit can be easily traveled with in carry-on luggage and smaller bags.

The dispensing unit includes at least a first phase and a second phase.The first phase includes a first formulation providing a benefit to theuser. The second phase includes a second formulation providing a benefitto the user. The first phase and second phase are substantiallyimmiscible as described herein above. Specifically, the first phase andsecond phase remain as separate phase (i.e., do not mix) even whensubjected to vibrations, shaking, or other type of mechanical energy dueto manipulation of the dispensing unit by the consumer or in transportof the product.

The first and second phases are typically independently selected to beone of a hydrophobic phase, hydrophilic phase, a siliphilic phase, orcombinations thereof. To keep the first and second phase of themulti-phase care system from mixing upon use of the care system, thephases to be added to the dispensing unit must be selected to besubstantially immiscible as described above. When the first and/orsecond phases are a combination of hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and/orsiliphilic phases, the external phase of the first phase must not bemiscible with the external phase of the second phase. Furthermore, itshould be recognized by one skilled in the art that, while the phasesmust be selected to be substantially immiscible with one another, as thephases are dispensed from a single dispensing unit, the phases must beformulated as such to allow for dispensing from the same dispensingunit.

By way of example, in one embodiment, the first phase is a hydrophobicphase and the second phase is a hydrophilic phase. In an alternativeembodiment, the first phase is a hydrophilic phase and the second phaseis a hydrophobic phase. In yet another embodiment, the first phase isselected from the group consisting of an emulsion consisting of both ahydrophobic phase and a hydrophilic phase, which could vary with whichof these phases is the external phase depending on the type of emulsion.In either case, the second phase is a siliphilic phase. As the secondphase is a siliphilic phase; that is, a phase which is substantiallyhigh in silicone and prefers to interact with other silicones, thesecond phase will be immiscible with either the hydrophobic orhydrophilic phases. The above list should be interpreted as examples andshould not in any way limit the scope of the suitable phases for use asthe first phases and second phases respectfully.

In one embodiment, the multi-phase care system contains more than twophases. For example, it may be preferable to produce a multi-phase caresystem having three phases, four phases, or even, five phases or more.As with the first and second phases above, the third, fourth, fifthphases (and all other phases if more than five phases are selected)should be selected to be substantially immiscible with the phase inwhich it is directly contacted within the dispensing unit.

As noted above, the first phase comprises a first formulation typicallycapable of providing a first benefit to a user. For example, in oneembodiment, when the multi-phase care system is a skin care system, thefirst formulation provides a first skin care benefit. Similarly, thesecond formulation is typically capable of providing a second benefit toa user. In the multi-phase skin care system, the second formulationprovides a second skin care benefit. It should be understood by oneskilled in the art, that while the first formulation and secondformulation can independently provide any benefit known in the art ofthe particular care system, in each particular multi-phase care system,the first formulation and second formulation are different formulationsand thus, provide different benefits to the user. Simply restated, thefirst benefit, provided by the first formulation, is different from thesecond benefit, provided by the second formulation.

Furthermore, as with the first phase and second phase, if more than twophases are used in the multi-phase care system, such as a third, fourth,and fifth phase (and more phases if more than five phases are desired),it should be recognized that the additional phases should includeformulations, each independently being capable of providing additionalbenefits to a user. For example, if a first, second, and third phase areincluded in the multi-phase care system, the first phase includes afirst formulation providing a first benefit, the second phase includes asecond formulation providing a second benefit, and the third phaseincludes a third formulation providing a third benefit. Likewise, if themulti-phase care system included additional phases, such as a fourth andfifth phase, the fourth and fifth phases must include fourth and fifthformulations, providing fourth and fifth benefits, respectively.

In an alternative embodiment, the multi-phase care system can includemore than two phases and can be configured such to provide a multipleday regimen. Without being limiting, in one example, the multi-phasecare system provides hair care for multiple days and, as such, a firstphase includes, for example, a cleansing formulation, a second phaseincludes a conditioning formulation, a third phase includes the samecleansing formulation as the first phase, and a fourth phase includesthe same conditioning formulation as the second phase.

As with the first and second formulations described above, the third,fourth, and fifth formulations are each different from any of the otherformulations in the multi-phase care system (including the first andsecond formulations). Moreover, as the third, fourth, and fifthformulations are different formulations, while being capable ofproviding any benefit known in the art of the particular care system, ineach particular multi-phase care system, the first formulation, secondformulation, third formulation, fourth formulation, fifth formulation,and so forth are different formulations and thus, provide differentbenefits to the user.

While providing different benefits, it should be understood to one ofskill in the art that the formulations may include overlappingcomponents; that is, the formulations may include some of the samecomponents.

Typically, the formulations for use in the phases of the multi-phasecare system can include, for example, hydrophilic delivery vehicles suchas gels, serums, hydroalcoholics, hydrophobic delivery vehicles such asanhydrous oils, and combinations such as hydrophobic/hydrophiliccombinations (e.g., oil-in-water emulsions (O/W), water-in-oil emulsions(W/O), water-in-oil-in-water emulsions (W/O/W), oil-in-water-in-oilemulsions (O/W/O)) and hydrophilic/siliphilic or hydrophobic/siliphiliccombinations (e.g., water-in-silicone emulsions (W/S),water-in-silicone-in-water emulsions (W/S/W), glycol in siliconeemulsions (G/S)), and the like, and combinations thereof.

In one particularly preferred embodiment, the multi-phase care system isa skin care system, in which the first formulation provides a first skincare benefit and the second formulation provides a second skin carebenefit. In embodiments in which more than two phases and thusformulations are used, it should be understood that each additionalformulation will provide a separate and distinct skin care benefit.

A skin care benefit includes any beneficial effect on the skin and/orany improvement of skin feel and/or aesthetics. Without being limiting,examples of formulations providing skin care benefits can includeformulations for cleansing, toning, treatment, finishing, and the like.

When the formulation is a cleansing formulation, the cleansingformulation may be in any form known in the art, such as, for example,hand soaps, body soaps, body washes, shampoos, surface cleaners, dishsoaps, facial cleansers, hand washes, and the like. These types ofcleansing formulations typically include at least one foaming agent,such as a surfactant. Although discussed herein primarily in terms of asurfactant, it should be understood that the cleansing formulations ofthe present disclosure may comprise other cleansing agents, and need notcomprise a surfactant. For example, in certain embodiments, theformulations may comprise a thickener, a swellable clay, a foaming agent(which may or may not comprise a surfactant), and optionally a solventor other carrier. Examples of such formulations include, for example,hand sanitizers, lotions, anti-microbial formulations, and the like.

As noted above, the cleansing formulations of multi-phase care systemsof the present disclosure may comprise a foaming agent, such as asurfactant, as well as a thickener, and a swellable clay. Upondispensing the cleansing formulation from a bottle or other similardispensing unit and/or upon application of shear, the cleansingformulation will produce foam that may be used for cleansingapplications. Although discussed primarily in terms of a surfactant, itis to be understood that the foaming agent may be an agent other than asurfactant. For example, alternately or in addition to surfactants, thefoaming agent may comprise emulsifiers, ethoxylated skin conditioningagents, solubilizers, derivatized silicone polymers, and combinationsthereof. Typically, the cleansing formulation comprises a foaming agentin an amount of from about 0.1% (by weight) to about 40% (by weight),more preferably about 0.3% (by weight) to about 25% (by weight), andstill more preferably about 0.5% (by weight) to about 15% (by weight).The foaming agent is included in the cleansing formulation to provide acleaning, lathering, and/or foaming action during use of the multi-phasecare system.

As used herein, “by weight” refers to the total weight of theformulation. For example, if the cleansing formulation has a totalweight of 100 grams and comprises 90% (by weight) foaming agent, thecleansing formulation comprises 90 grams of foaming agent. As will berecognized by those skilled in the art, some commercially availablesurfactants (and thickeners or other formulation components) are sold asa solution; e.g., a certain percentage of surfactant in water. If such asolution is used to produce a formulation, it is to be understood thatthe percent (by weight) of the surfactant (or other component) givenherein is referring to the percent (by weight) of the actual surfactant(or other component) in the final formulation, not the percent (byweight) of the surfactant plus water solution.

Suitable surfactants for use in the cleansing formulation includeanionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, cationic surfactants,zwitterionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, and combinationsthereof.

Suitable anionic surfactants include, for example, alkyl sulfates, alkylether sulfates, alkyl aryl sulfonates, alpha-olefin sulfonates, alkalimetal or ammonium salts of alkyl sulfates, alkali metal or ammoniumsalts of alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl phosphates, silicone phosphates,alkyl glyceryl sulfonates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl taurates, acyltaurates, alkyl sarcosinates, acyl sarcosinates, sulfoacetates, alkylphosphate esters, mono alkyl succinates, monoalkyl maleates,sulphoacetates, acyl isethionates, alkyl carboxylates, phosphate esters,sulphosuccinates (e.g., sodium dioctylsulphosuccinate), and combinationsthereof. Specific examples of anionic sufactants include sodium laurylsulphate, sodium lauryl ether sulphate, ammonium lauryl sulphosuccinate,ammonium lauryl sulphate, ammonium lauryl ether sulphate, sodiumdodecylbenzene sulphonate, triethanolamine dodecylbenzene sulphonate,sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl isethionate, sodium N-laurylsarcosinate, and combinations thereof.

Suitable cationic surfactants include, for example, alkyl ammoniumsalts, polymeric ammonium salts, alkyl pyridinium salts, aryl ammoniumsalts, alkyl aryl ammonium salts, silicone quaternary ammoniumcompounds, and combinations thereof. Specific examples of cationicsurfactants include behenyltrimonium chloride, stearlkonium chloride,distearalkonium chloride, chlorohexidine diglutamate, polyhexamethylenebiguanide (PHMB), cetyl pyridinium chloride, benzammonium chloride,benzalkonium chloride, and combinations thereof.

Suitable amphoteric surfactants include, for example, betaines,alkylamido betaines, sulfobetaines, N-alkyl betaines, sultaines,amphoacetates, amophodiacetates, imidazoline carboxylates, sarcosinates,acylamphoglycinates, such as cocamphocarboxyglycinates andacylamphopropionates, and combinations thereof. Specific examples ofamphoteric surfactants include cocamidopropyl betaine, lauramidopropylbetaine, meadowfoamamidopropyl betaine, sodium cocoyl sarcosinate,sodium cocamphoacetate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, ammonium cocoylsarcosinate, sodium cocoamphopropionate, and combinations thereof.

Suitable zwitterionic surfactants include, for example, alkyl amineoxides, silicone amine oxides, and combinations thereof. Specificexamples of suitable zwitterionic surfactants include, for example,4-[N,N-di(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-octadecylammonio]-butane-1-carboxylate,S—[S-3-hydroxypropyl-5-hexadecylsulfonio]-3-hydroxypentane-1-sulfate,3-[P,P-diethyl-P-3,6,9-trioxatetradexopcylphosphonio]-2-hydroxypropane-1-phosphate,3-[N,N-dipropyl-N-3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropylammonio]-propane-1-phosphonate,3-(N,N-dimethyl-N-hexadecylammonio)propane-1-sulfonate,3-(N,N-dimethyl-N-hexadecylammonio)-2-hydroxypropane-1-sulfonate,4-[N,N-di(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-(2-hydroxydodecyl)ammonio]-butane-1-carboxylate,3-[S-ethyl-S-(3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyl)sulfonio]-propane-1-phosphate,3-[P,P-dimethyl-P-dodecylphosphonio]-propane-1-phosphonate,5-[N,N-di(3-hydroxypropyl)-N-hexadecylammonio]-2-hydroxypentane-1-sulfate,and combinations thereof.

Suitable non-ionic surfactants include, for example, mono- anddi-alkanolamides such as, for example, cocamide MEA and cocamide DEA,amine oxides, alkyl polyglucosides, ethoxylated silicones, ethoxylatedalcohols, ethoxylated carboxylic acids, ethoxylated amines, ethoxylatedamides, ethoxylated alkylolamides, ethoxylated alkylphenols, ethoxylatedglyceryl esters, ethoxylated sorbitan esters, ethoxylated phosphateesters, glycol stearate, glyceryl stearate, and combinations thereof. Itwill be recognized by one skilled in the art that many of the nonionicsurfactants described herein may act to improve the foaming propertiesof the cleansing formulation of the multi-phase care system, and mayprovide a more compact, reduced bubble size or creamy foam.

The cleansing formulations may also comprise a thickener, which acts tothicken or increase the viscosity of the cleansing formulation.Typically, the formulation will comprise from about 0.01% (by weight) toabout 5% (by weight) of thickener.

A variety of thickeners may be used in the cleansing formulationsdescribed herein. In one embodiment, the thickener may be a cellulosicthickener or gum. Examples of suitable cellulosic or gum thickenersinclude xanthan gum, agar, alginates, carrageenan, furcellaran, guar,cationic guar, gum arabic, gum tragacanth, karaya gum, locust bean gum,dextran, starch, modified starches, gellan gum, carboxymethylcellulose,hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroyethylcellulose, propylene glycol alginate,hydroxypropyl guar, amylopectin, cellulose gum, chitosan, modifiedchitosan, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose,silica, fumed silica, colloidal silica, dehydroxanthan gum, non-acrylicbased carbomers, and combinations thereof. When the thickener is acellulosic or gum thickener, the thickener is preferably present in thecleansing formulation in an amount of from about 0.01% (by weight) toabout 2% (by weight), and more preferably in an amount of from about0.1% (by weight) to about 1% (by weight).

Alternately or in addition, the thickener may be an acrylic basedpolymer. Non-limiting examples of suitable acrylic based polymerthickeners include acrylates/C₁₀-C₃₀ alkyl acrylate crosspolymers,certain carbomers, acrylates copolymers, aminoacrylates copolymers, andcombinations thereof. Examples of commercially available acrylic basedpolymer thickeners include Structure® Plus (National Starch & Chemical,Bridgewater, N.J.), which is an acrylates/aminoacrylates/C₁₀₋₃₀ alkylPEG-20 itaconate copolymer, Carbopol® Aqua SF-1 Polymer (Noveon,Cleveland Ohio), which is an acrylates copolymer, Pemulen® TR-1 and TR-2and Carbopol® ETD 2020 (available from Noveon), which areacrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylates crosspolymers, and the Carbopol® Ultrezseries of polymers (available from Noveon), which are carbomers. Whenthe thickener is an acrylic based polymer, the thickener is preferablypresent in the cleansing formulation in an amount of from about 0.1% (byweight) to about 5% (by weight).

The cleansing formulations may optionally be formulated using anacid-sensitive thickener and/or a base-sensitive thickener. As the namessuggest, acid-sensitive thickeners are activated (i.e., swell or“thicken”) upon contact with an acidic agent, while base-sensitivethickeners are activated upon contact with an alkaline agent. Oneadvantage of using acid and/or base sensitive thickeners in thecleansing formulations is improved ease of processing. For instance,acid or base sensitive thickeners may be more readily dispersed in aformulation when in a non-activated state than when in an activated (or“thickened”) state. Thus, an acid- or base-sensitive thickener may becombined with other formulation components prior to activation, andactivated by contact with an acidic or alkaline agent after the acid- orbase-sensitive thickener is dispersed throughout the formulation.

Examples of suitable acid-sensitive thickeners for use in the cleansingformulations include the Structure® Plus (National Starch & Chemical,Bridgewater, N.J.) thickener, described above. The acid-sensitivethickeners may be activated by contact with any of a wide range ofacidic agents including, for example, glycolic acid, lactic acid,phosphoric acid, citric acid, other organic acids, and similar acidicagents. Acid sensitive thickeners are generally activated over a pHrange of from about 3 to about 9, and more typically over a pH range offrom about 3 to about 7. The Structure® Plus thickener is typicallyactivated over a pH range of from about 3 to about 9.

Examples of suitable base-sensitive thickeners include the Carbopol®Aqua SF-1 Polymer (Noveon, Cleveland Ohio) thickener, described above,as well as the Pemulen® TR-1 and TR-2 thickeners (available fromNoveon), the Carbopol® ETD 2020 thickeners (available from Noveon), andthe Carbopol® Ultrez series of thickeners (available from Noveon), alldescribed above, and other carbomers and starches, and combinationsthereof. The base-sensitive thickeners may be activated by contact withany of a wide range of alkaline agents including, for example, variousmetal hydroxides and amines, and other similar alkaline agents.Non-limiting examples of suitable metal hydroxides include potassiumhydroxide and sodium hydroxide. Non-limiting examples of suitable aminesinclude triethanolamine, diethanolamine, monoethanolamine, tromethamine,aminomethylpropanol, triisopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine,tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine, and PEG-15 cocoamine. Base sensitivethickeners are generally activated over a pH range of from about 5 toabout 11, and more typically over a pH range of from about 6 to about11.

In certain embodiments, the cleansing formulations may include two ormore different types of thickeners. For instance, the cleansingformulations may include any combination of cellulosic thickeners, gumthickeners, acid-sensitive thickeners, base-sensitive thickeners, and/oracrylic based polymer thickeners.

The cleansing formulations may additionally comprise a swellable clay.The swellable clay may act as a thixotropic agent, giving the cleansingformulation its shear-thinning properties, while allowing theformulation to remain sufficiently viscous to suspend particles thereinwhen under low or no shear.

A variety of clays are suitable for use in the cleansing formulationsdescribed herein including, for example, bentonite, laponite, hectorite,montmorillonite, beidelite, saponite, stevensite, magnesium aluminumsilicate, other aluminum silicates, as well as various other naturaland/or synthetic clays, and combinations thereof. Typically, thecleansing formulations will comprise from about 0.01% (by weight) toabout 10% (by weight) and more preferably from about 0.1% (by weight) toabout 5% (by weight) of a swellable clay. In one embodiment, thecleansing formulation may comprise from about 0.01% (by weight) to lessthan about 5% (by weight) of a swellable clay.

Additional suitable agents for use in the cleansing formulation mayinclude humectants, preservatives, fragrances, chelating agents, andcombinations thereof.

A skin care system of the present disclosure may further include asecond phase including a second formulation, wherein the secondformulation is a toning formulation. Toning formulations provide suchbenefits as closing pores of a user's skin, restoring the natural pH ofthe skin (typically, a pH of from about 5.0 to about 5.5), removing skinimpurities (e.g., dirt, oils, sebum, make-up, pollutants, and the like),hydrating the skin, and generally preparing the skin for treatment usinga treatment formulation as described below.

Generally, toning formulations for skin care include astringents,humectants, carriers, and combinations thereof. Suitable astringentsinclude, for example, ethanol, witch hazel, rose water, alum, oatmeal,yarrow, bayberry, cold water, rubbing alcohol, astringent preparationssuch as silver nitrate, zinc oxide, zinc sulfate, Burow's solution,tincture of benzoin, and vegetable substances such as tannic and gallicacid, and combinations thereof. As used herein, the term “cold water”refers to water having a temperature below room temperature(approximately 25° C. (77° F.)).

Suitable humectants include, for example, glycerin, glycerinderivatives, sodium hyaluronate, betaine, amino acids,glycosaminoglycans, honey, sorbitol, glycols, polyols, sugars,hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, salts of PCA, lactic acid, lactates,and urea. A particularly preferred humectant is glycerin.

Carriers for the toning formulations can be any carrier materialtypically known in the cosmetic and medical arts as a basis forointments, lotions, creams, salves, aerosols, gels, suspensions, sprays,foams, and the like, and may be used in their art-established levels. Inone particular embodiment, the carrier is an aqueous carrier. With anaqueous carrier, the toning formulation may include water in an amountof from about 30% (by weight) to about 95% (by weight). In anotherembodiment, the carrier is an alcohol carrier. The alcohol carrier canbe any suitable alcohol. One particularly preferred alcohol is ethanol.With an alcohol carrier, the toning formulation may include alcohol inan amount of from about 30% (by weight) to about 95% (by weight).

Other suitable carriers can also be used in the toning formulations. Incertain embodiments, the carriers themselves can provide the skin carebenefit. Non-limiting examples of suitable carriers include emollients,sterols or sterol derivatives, natural and synthetic fats or oils,polyols, surfactants, esters, silicones, and other pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier materials.

In a further embodiment, the multi-phase skin care system includes athird phase including a third formulation. The third formulation mayinclude a treatment formulation for treating the skin. It should beunderstood that, while it is described herein that the first phasecomprises a cleansing formulation, the second phase comprises toningformulation, and the third phase comprises a treatment formulation, thevarious formulations can be used in any of the phases of the multi-phasecare system without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Forexample, the first phase may comprise a cleansing formulation and thesecond phase may comprise a treatment formulation. The specificcompositions of the various phases will depend upon the end dailyregimen desired.

Typically, the treatment formulation includes a treatment agent that isknown to have a treating effect on the skin such as reducing fine linesand wrinkles, improving the evenness of skin tone, and reduction ofacne. More specifically, the treatment agent can be selected from thegroup consisting of appearance modifying agents (e.g., tooth whiteningagents, exfoliating agents, skin-firming agents, anti-callous agents,anti-acne agents, anti-aging agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-dandruffagents, antiperspirant agents, wound care agents, enzyme agents, scarrepair agents, humectant agents, hair care agents such as conditioners,styling agents, and detangling agents), therapeutic agents,pharmaceuticals (e.g., drugs, anti-oxidants, transdermal drug deliveryagents, botanical extracts, vitamins, magnets, magnetic metals, andfoods), xenobiotics, skin coloration agents (e.g., tanning agents,lightening agents, and brightening agents, shine control agents anddrugs), shine control agents, colorant agents, surface conditioningagents (e.g., pH adjusting agents, moisturizers, skin conditioners,exfoliation agents, shaving lubricants, skin-firming agents,anti-callous agents, anti-acne agents, anti-aging agents, anti-wrinkleagents, anti-dandruff agents, wound care agents, skin lipids, enzymes,scar care agents, humectants, powders, botanical extracts, and drugs)external analgesic agents, anti-inflammatory (e.g., anti-irritantagents, anti-allergy agents, wound care agents, transdermal drugdelivery, and drugs), fragrances, odor neutralizing agents, soothingagents, calming agents, antiperspirants, deodorants, botanical extracts(e.g., peppermint oil, eucalyptol, eucalyptus oil, camphor, and tea treeoil), peptides, natural and synthetic fats or oils, moisture absorbers,and combinations thereof. Additionally, the conditioning agents and skintoning agents, as described more fully herein, can be used as treatmentagents in the formulations.

The term “natural fat or oil” is intended to include fats, oils,essential oils, essential fatty acids, non-essential fatty acids,phospholipids, and combinations thereof. Suitable fats and oils includeApricot Kernel Oil, Avocado Oil, Babassu Oil, Borage Seed Oil, Butter,C12-C18 Acid Triglyceride, Camellia Oil, Canola Oil,Caprylic/Capric/Lauric Triglyceride, Caprylic/Capric/LinoleicTriglyceride, Caprylic/Capric/Stearic Triglyceride, Caprylic/CapricTriglyceride, Carrot Oil, Cashew Nut Oil, Castor Oil, Cherry Pit Oil,Chia Oil, Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Corn Germ Oil, CornOil, Cottonseed Oil, C10-C18 Triglycerides, Egg Oil, Epoxidized SoybeanOil, Evening Primrose Oil, Glyceryl Triacetyl Hydroxystearate, GlycerylTriacetyl Ricinoleate, Glycosphingolipids, Grape Seed Oil, Hazelnut Oil,Human Placental Lipids, Hybrid Safflower Oil, Hybrid Sunflower Seed Oil,Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Laurate, HydrogenatedCoconut Oil, Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Hydrogenated C12-C18Triglycerides, Hydrogenated Fish Oil, Hydrogenated Lard, HydrogenatedMenhaden Oil, Hydrogenated Mink Oil, Hydrogenated Orange Roughy Oil,Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, Hydrogenated Palm Oil, Hydrogenated PeanutOil, Hydrogenated Shark Liver Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil,Hydrogenated Tallow, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Lanolin and LanolinDerivatives, Lard, Lauric/Palmitic/Oleic Triglyceride, Lesquerella Oil,Linseed Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Maleated Soybean Oil, Meadowfoam SeedOil, Menhaden Oil, Mink Oil, Moring a Oil, Mortierella Oil, NeatsfootOil, Oleic/Linoleic Triglyceride,Oleic/Palmitic/Lauric/Myristic/Linoleic Triglyceride, Oleostearine,Olive Husk Oil, Olive Oil, Omental Lipids, Orange Roughy Oil, PalmKernel Oil, Palm Oil, Peach Kernel Oil, Peanut Oil, Pengawar Djambi Oil,Pentadesma Butter, Phospholipids, Pistachio Nut Oil, Placental Lipids,Rapeseed Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Safflower Oil, Sesame Oil, Shark Liver Oil,Shea Butter, Soybean Oil, Sphingolipids, Sunflower Seed Oil, SweetAlmond Oil, Tall Oil, Tallow, Tribehenin, Tricaprin, Tricaprylin,Triheptanoin, Trihydroxymethoxystearin, Trihydroxystearin,Triisononanoin, Triisostearin, Trilaurin, Trilinolein, Trilinolenin,Trimyristin, Trioctanoin, Triolein, Tripalmitin, Trisebacin, Tristearin,Triundecanoin, Vegetable Oil, Walnut Oil, Wheat Bran Lipids, Wheat GermOil, Zadoary Oil, oil extracts of various other botanicals, and othervegetable or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, and the like, aswell as mixtures thereof.

Suitable fatty acids include Arachidic Acid, Arachidonic Acid, BehenicAcid, Capric Acid, Caproic Acid, Caprylic Acid, Coconut Acid, Corn Acid,Cottonseed Acid, Hydrogenated Coconut Acid, Hydrogenated Menhaden Acid,Hydrogenated Tallow Acid, Hydroxystearic Acid, Isostearic Acid, LauricAcid, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Linseed Acid, Myristic Acid, OleicAcid, Palmitic Acid, Palm Kernel Acid, Pelargonic Acid, Ricinoleic Acid,Soy Acid, Stearic Acid, Tall Oil Acid, Tallow Acid, Undecanoic Acid,Undecylenic Acid, Wheat Germ Acid, and the like, as well as mixturesthereof.

Suitable essential oils include Anise Oil, Balm Mint Oil, Basil Oil, BeeBalm Oil, Bergamot Oil, Birch Oil, Bitter Almond Oil, Bitter Orange Oil,Calendula Oil, California Nutmeg Oil, Caraway Oil, Cardamom Oil,Chamomile Oil, Cinnamon Oil, Clary Oil, Cloveleaf Oil, Clove Oil,Coriander Oil, Cypress Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Fennel Oil, Gardenia Oil,Geranium Oil, Ginger Oil, Grapefruit Oil, Hops Oil, Hyptis Oil, IndigoBush Oil, Jasmine Oil, Juniper Oil, Kiwi Oil, Laurel Oil, Lavender Oil,Lemongrass Oil, Lemon Oil, Linden Oil, Lovage Oil, Mandarin Orange Oil,Matricaria Oil, Musk Rose Oil, Nutmeg Oil, Olibanum, Orange Flower Oil,Orange Oil, Patchouli Oil, Pennyroyal Oil, Peppermint Oil, Pine Oil,Pine Tar Oil, Rose Hips Oil, Rosemary Oil, Rose Oil, Rue Oil, Sage Oil,Sambucus Oil, Sandalwood Oil, Sassafras Oil, Silver Fir Oil, SpearmintOil, Sweet Marjoram Oil, Sweet Violet Oil, Tar Oil, Tea Tree Oil, ThymeOil, Wild Mint Oil, Yarrow Oil, Ylang Ylang Oil, and the like, as wellas mixtures thereof.

Some preferred natural fats and oils include, but are not limited toAvocado Oil, Apricot Oil, Babassu Oil, Borage Oil, Camellia oil, Canolaoil, Castor Oil, Coconut oil, Corn Oil, Cottonseed Oil, Evening PrimroseOil, Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, MaleatedSoybean Oil, Meadowfoam Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Phospholipids, RapeseedOil, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Rose Hip Oil, SunflowerOil, Soybean Oil, PROLIPID 141 (proprietary blend of Glyceryl Stearate,Fatty Acids, Lecithin, and Phospholipids from International SpecialtyProducts, Wayne, N.J.) and the like, as well as mixtures thereof.

The term “synthetic fat or oil” is intended to include synthetic fatsand oils, esters, silicones, other emollients, and combinations thereof.Examples of suitable synthetic fats or oils include petrolatum andpetrolatum based oils, mineral oils, mineral jelly, isoparaffins,polydimethylsiloxanes such as methicone, cyclomethicone, dimethicone,dimethiconol, trimethicone, alkyl dimethicones, alkyl methicones,alkyldimethicone copolyols, organo-siloxanes (i.e., where the organicfunctionality can be selected from alkyl, phenyl, amine, polyethyleneglycol, amine-glycol, alkylaryl, carboxal, and the like), silicones suchas silicone elastomer, phenyl silicones, alkyl trimethylsilanes,dimethicone crosspolymers, cyclomethicone, gums, resins, fatty acidesters (esters of C6-C28 fatty acids and C6-C28 fatty alcohols),glyceryl esters and derivatives, fatty acid ester ethoxylates, alkylethoxylates, C12-C28 fatty alcohols, C12-C28 fatty acids, C12-C28 fattyalcohol ethers, propylene glycol esters and derivatives, alkoxylatedcarboxylic acids, alkoxylated alcohols, fatty alcohols, Guerbetalcohols, Guerbet Acids, Guerbet Esters, and other cosmeticallyacceptable emollients.

Specific examples of suitable esters may include, but are not limitedto, cetyl palmitate, stearyl palmitate, cetyl stearate, isopropyllaurate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, and combinationsthereof.

The lipid phase described above may optionally include a ceramide orceramide derivative, such as glucosylceramides, acylceramide, bovineceramides, sphingolipid E, and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, in addition to the first phase, second phase, andthird phase, the multi-phase care system includes a fourth phase, thefourth phase including a finishing formulation. As with the first threephases, it should be understood that the various formulations describedherein can be used in any of the phases of the multi-phase care systemwithout departing from the scope of the disclosure.

When included, the finishing formulation comprises a finishing agentthat typically delivers moisturization or a moisture-barrier for sealingin moisture to the user. Specifically, the finishing agent can be anymoisturizing agent and/or moisture-barrier enhancing agent known in theart.

Additionally, the finishing agent may be capable of providing aestheticbenefits such as skin smoothing or a powdery feel. Examples ofadditional suitable finishing agents include skin conditioning agents(e.g., pH adjusting agents, moisturizers, skin conditioners, exfoliationagents, shaving lubricants, skin-firming agents, anti-callous agents,anti-acne agents, anti-aging agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-dandruffagents, wound care agents, skin lipids, enzymes, scar care agents,humectants, powders, botanical extracts, and drugs), fragrances,botanical extracts, powders, and combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, as noted above, the multi-phase care system is ahair care system. In one specific embodiment, the multi-phase hair caresystem includes a dispensing unit, as described above, including a firstphase and a second phase. The first phase may include a cleansingformulation as described above for the skin care system, and the secondphase may comprise a conditioning formulation.

The conditioning formulation typically includes any formulation that iscapable of replenishing hair with conditioning agents that make the haireasier to comb, impart body and shine, and promote healthy looking hair.Suitable conditioning agents for use in the conditioning formulationinclude quaternium compounds, emollients, moisturizers, humectants, andcombinations thereof.

Similar to the multi-phase skin care system described above, themulti-phase hair care system in one embodiment can further include athird phase. The third phase of one particularly preferred embodimentincludes a treatment formulation. The treatment formulation may includetreatment agents such as described for the skin care system. Moreover,the treatment formulation may include additional treatment agents thatare more specific for hair care. Examples of such treatment agentsinclude detangling agents, hair growth promoters, soothing agents,calming agents, and combinations thereof.

In addition to the first, second, and third phases, the multi-phase haircare system can include a fourth phase such as a phase including afinishing formulation similar to the multi-phase skin care systemdescribed above. As with the finishing formulation described in relationto the skin care system, the finishing formulation for the multi-phasehair care system can include any finishing agent for moisturizing orholding moisture within the hair. Exemplary agents are described abovefor the multi-phase skin care system. Additionally, the finishingformulation may include finishing agents such as styling agents,fragrances, botanical extracts, and combinations thereof.

It should be understood that while described in the instantspecification as containing cleansing formulations, toning formulations,conditioning formulations, treatment formulations, and finishingformulations, the multi-phase care systems of the present disclosure caninclude any formulations capable of providing a benefit to the user'sskin, hair, body, and the like. The type of formulation will depend uponthe desired multi-phase care system and the specific daily regimenneeded by the user.

The multi-phase care systems of the present disclosure can furtherinclude agents for distinguishing the phases within the dispensingunits. Specifically, different colors and or textures of theformulations can be made to visually separate the multiple phases. Inone embodiment, one or more of the above-described phases includes atleast one visual enhancer that may be selected from the group consistingof a coloring agent and a liquid crystal. The coloring agents maycomprise dyes, color additives, pigments, and/or lakes that may beincluded in at least one formulation in unencapsulated form oroptionally may be encapsulated, as described herein, in a suitableencapsulant. Suitable dyes include, for example, Blue 1, Blue 4, Brown1, External Violet 2, External Violet 7, Green 3, Green 5, Green 8,Orange 4, Orange 5, Orange 10, Orange 11, Red 4, Red 6, Red 7, Red 17,Red 21, Red 22, Red 27, Red 28, Red 30, Red 31, Red 33, Red 34, Red 36,Red 40, Violet 2, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Yellow 7, Yellow 8, Yellow 10,Yellow 11, Acid Red 195, Anthocyanins, Beetroot Red, Bromocresol Green,Bromothymol Blue, Capsanthin/Capsorubin, Curcumin, and Lactoflavin.

Suitable color additives include, for example, aluminum powder, annatto,bismuth citrate, bismuth oxychloride, bronze powder, caramel, carmine,beta carotene, chloraphyllin-copper complex, chromium hydroxide green,chromium oxide greens, copper powder, disodium EDTA-copper, ferricammonium ferrocyanide, ferric ferrocyanide, guauazulene, guanine, henna,iron oxides, lead acetate, manganese violet, mica, pyrophylite, silver,titanium dioxide, ultramarines, zinc oxide, and combinations thereof.

Suitable pigments or lakes include, for example, Blue 1 Lake, ExternalYellow 7 Lake, Green 3 Lake, Orange 4 Lake, Orange 5 Lake, Orange 10Lake, Red 4 Lake, Red 6 Lake, Red 7 Lake, Red 21 Lake, Red 22 Lake, Red27 Lake, Red 28 Lake, Red 30 Lake, Red 31 Lake, Red 33 Lake, Red 36Lake, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 7 Lake, Yellow10 Lake, and combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the coloring agent may be a colored bead, such asa particulate polymeric material to which a coloring agent is attached,or added. Optionally, the coloring agent may comprise a coloredencapsulant, in which one or more additives may optionally beencapsulated. Examples of colored encapsulants include the LipoSpheres™and LipoBeads™ products described below.

As noted above, in certain embodiments, the coloring agents may beencapsulated in an encapsulant, such as a shell material or polymermatrix, prior to being formulated into the composition. Micro or nanocapsules may be used to gradually release the agents upon an increase intemperature or physical contact, such as when the formulation iscontacted with the skin of a user. Suitable encapsulation shell ormatrix materials include cellulose-based polymeric materials (e.g.,ethyl cellulose), carbohydrate-based materials (e.g., cationic starchesand sugars), polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, and lactic acid-basedaliphatic polyesters, and materials derived therefrom (e.g., dextrinsand cyclodextrins) as well as other materials compatible with humantissues.

The micro or nano encapsulation shell thickness may vary depending uponthe composition of the formulation, and is generally manufactured toallow the encapsulated agent to be covered by a thin layer ofencapsulation material, which may be a monolayer or thicker laminatelayer, or may be a composite layer. The encapsulation layer should bethick enough to resist cracking or breaking of the shell during handlingor shipping of the product. The encapsulation layer should beconstructed such that humidity from atmospheric conditions duringstorage, shipment, or wear will not cause a breakdown of themicroencapsulation layer and result in a release of the coloring agent.

Micro and nano encapsulants suitable for use in producing the coloringagents of the present disclosure may also be commercially obtained. Forexample, LipoBeads™ products (available from Lipo Technologies, Inc.)are colored beads of a uniform spherical semi-solid matrix of lactose ormannitol microcrystalline cellulose and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulosethat may contain hydrophilic or hydrophobic core materials, such asvitamins, natural oils, and antibacterial agents, among others.LipoBeads™ may have an average size of either 700 microns or 1500microns. LipoSphere™ products (available from Lipo Technologies, Inc.)comprise multiple droplets of hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic materialentrapped in a polymer matrix of alginate, agar, or gelatin. TheLipoSphere™ products may have a size of from 400 to 4000 microns.LipoCapsule™ gelatin products (available from Lipo Technologies, Inc.)consist of a clear, non-pigmented shell surrounding a hydrophobic corematerial. The shell may be comprised of gelatin, polyoxymethylene urea,or methoxymethyl methylol melamine. The LipoCapsule™ products may have asize of from 5 to 3000 microns. Other commercially availableencapsulated agents include NanoSal™ nanospheres, which are solidhydrophobic nanospheres having an average particle size of 0.01 to 1micron, which may be used to encapsulate a variety of additives.

When used, the coloring agents can be included within one or more of theformulations in an amount of from about 0.001% (by weight) to about 10%(by weight), and more suitably, from about 0.01% (by weight) to about 5%(by weight).

In an alternative embodiment, one or more liquid crystals can be used asthe visual enhancer to differentiate the multiple phases within themulti-phase care system. One particularly suitable example of a liquidcrystal is ISP Colorflow™ 100 (available from International SpecialtyProducts). Specifically, ISP Colorflow™ 100 is produced by combiningcholesteryl oleyl carbonate, cholesteryl chloride, cholesterylnonanoate, and butylated hydroxytoluene.

When used, the liquid crystals can be included within one or more of theformulations in an amount of from about 0.01% (by weight) to about 5%(by weight).

The thickness of each of phase in the multi-phase care system willtypically depend upon the desired care system and the desiredformulations for use in the daily regimen. As the multi-phase caresystem is intended to be a single use system, the overall size andamount of product will need to remain small to ensure that each phaseand formulation can be utilized fully.

In addition to the multi-phase care system, the present disclosure isalso directed to methods for using the multi-phase care system in adaily regimen. Generally, the method includes: dispensing from adispensing unit a first formulation; and dispensing from the dispensingunit a second formulation. Specifically, as noted above, the first andsecond formulations are different formulations and are substantiallyimmiscible. As such, the first and second formulations remain separatewithin the dispenser and are further separately and sequentiallydispensed from a single dispensing unit in a daily regimen.Specifically, the first formulation is dispensed from the dispensingunit and then the second formulation is dispensed from the samedispensing unit. Even more specifically, the first and secondformulations are sequentially dispensed from the same opening within thedispensing unit.

In one embodiment, the method of using the multi-phase care systemfurther includes dispensing a third formulation from the singledispensing unit. The third formulation is a different formulation and issubstantially immiscible with the second formulation; that is the thirdformulation will not substantially mix with the second formulation, inwhich it is in direct contact. Furthermore, the third formulations aredispensed from the dispensing unit sequentially from both the first andsecond formulation; that is, the third formulation is not simultaneouslydispensed with either the first and/or second formulations.Specifically, the multi-phase care system is used by first dispensingthe first formulation, then the second formulation, and finally,dispensing the third formulation.

Furthermore, in another embodiment, the method of using the multi-phasecare system further includes dispensing a fourth formulation from thesingle dispensing unit. The fourth formulation, similar to the first,second, and third formulations, is a different formulation and issubstantially immiscible with the third formulation; that is the fourthformulation will not substantially mix with the third formulation, inwhich it is in direct contact. Furthermore, the fourth formulations arenot dispensed from the dispensing unit simultaneously with any of thefirst, second, and/or third formulations. Specifically, use of themulti-phase care system is typically performed by first dispensing thefirst formulation, then the second formulation, then the thirdformulation, and finally, dispensing the fourth formulation.

As described more fully above, less than or more than four formulationscan be used in the multi-phase care system without departing from thescope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure is illustrated by the following example which ismerely for the purpose of illustration and is not to be regarded aslimiting the scope of the disclosure or manner in which it may bepracticed.

Example 1

In this example, a multi-phase skin care system is produced for use inaccordance with the present disclosure.

Specifically, three phases are produced to provide a daily regimen forskin cleansing, exfoliating, and finishing. To produce the multi-phaseskin care system, a two-ounce clear tube-type dispensing unit is firstloaded with the first phase including a first toner formulation. Thefirst toner formulation is in the form of a carbomer gel with suspendedcolored beads. Specifically, the first phase is introduced into thedispensing unit closest to the opening of the dispensing unit.

A second phase, including a second treating (e.g., exfoliating)formulation, is then introduced into the dispensing unit and is stackedon top of the first phase. The second phase is an anhydrous sugar scrub.

Finally, the third phase, including a third finishing formulation, isthen introduced into the dispensing unit and is stacked on top of thesecond phase. The third formulation is an oil-in-water emulsion.

Upon use, the first phase is initially pumped out of the dispensingunit, followed by the second phase, and finally, followed by the thirdphase. The first, second, and third formulations used in the first,second, and third phase, respectively, are shown in Tables 1-3 below.

TABLE 1 First Formulation Component % w/w Grams Function of ComponentWater 93.77 468.85 Solvent Carbopol Ultrez 21 0.3 1.5 Rheology modifier(The Lubrizol Corp., Cleveland, OH) Gycerin 5.0 25 Humectant Kathon CG(Rohm and 0.03 0.15 Preservative Haas, Philadelphia, PA) SolubilisantLRI 0.6 3.0 Solubilizer (Sensient Cosmetic Tech., France) Fragrance 0.31.5 Fragrance Potassium hydroxide pH to pH adjustment 6.0* Colored Beads0.3 1.5 Aesthetics (Lipobeads, available from Lipo Chemical, Inc.(Paterson, New Jersey)) *Potassium hydroxide was added to the firstformulation until the pH of the first formulation reached 6.0.

TABLE 2 Second Formulation Component % w/w Grams Function of ComponentVersagel MC 44.7 223.5 Solvent/Suspending (Penreco, The Agent Woodlands,TX) Hydrogenated 15 75 Emollient polydecene C₁₂₋₁₅ Alkyl 15 75 EmollientBenzoate Sugar 25 125 Exfolliant Agent Fragrance 0.3 1.5 Fragrance

TABLE 3 Third Formulation Component % w/w Grams Function of Component ACetearyl 2.5 12.5 Emulsifier Olivate/Sorbitan Olivate Oliwax LC 0.5 2.5Oil Phase Thickener (B&T Srl., Italy) Shea Butter 3.0 15 EmollientDicaprylyl 3.0 15 Emollient Carbonate Avocado Oil 10 50 Emollient BDeionized Water 73.75 368.75 Solvent Glycerine 3.0 15 HumectantPropylene Glycol 3.0 15 Humectant Sodium 0.65 3.25 Rheology ModifierPolyacrylate C Fragrance 0.3 1.5 Fragrance Kathon CG 0.3 1.5Preservative (Rohm and Haas, Philadelphia, PA)

The first formulation was produced by first adding water to a beaker,then dispersing the Carbopol Ultrez 21 (i.e., carbomer) with agitationuntil fully hydrated. Once hydrated, the glycerin and Kathon CG wereadded to the beaker. A premix of fragrance and Solubilisant LRI was thenadded to the formulation and mixed until homogenous. The colored beadswere also added to the formulation during mixing. Finally, the pH of theformulation was adjusted to 6.0 using potassium hydroxide.

To produce the second formulation, all ingredients were mixed in abeaker until homogenous.

The third formulation was produced by first dispersing the polyacrylates(from composition “B”) in water (also from composition “B”). Add theremaining components of composition “B” and mix until homogenous.Compositions “A” and “B” were then separately heated to a temperature ofabout 70° F. (21.1° C.) and then combined. The combined mixture was thenmixed until homogeneous. The homogenized mixture was allowed to cool toa temperature below 40° F. (4.4° C.) and then composition “C” was added.As with the first formulation, the pH of the third formulation can beadjusted as necessary to reach at pH of 6.0.

Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent thatmodifications and variations are possible without departing from thescope of the disclosure defined in the appended claims.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the preferredembodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of thedisclosure are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above products without departingfrom the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all mattercontained in the above description and shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of using a multi-phase care system, themethod comprising: dispensing a first formulation from a dispensingunit; and dispensing a second formulation from the dispensing unit,wherein the first and second formulations are different formulationsbeing substantially immiscible and are not capable of being dispensedfrom the dispensing unit simultaneously, and wherein the first andsecond formulations are dispensed sequentially.
 2. The method as setforth in claim 1 wherein the first formulation and second formulationindependently comprise delivery vehicles selected from the groupconsisting of hydrophobic delivery vehicles; hydrophilic deliveryvehicles; combinations of hydrophobic delivery vehicles and hydrophilicdelivery vehicles; siliphilic delivery vehicles; and combinations ofhydrophobic delivery vehicles, hydrophilic delivery vehicles, andsiliphilic delivery vehicles.
 3. The method as set forth in claim 2wherein the first formulation comprises a hydrophilic delivery vehicleand the second formulation comprises a hydrophobic delivery vehicle. 4.The method as set forth in claim 2 wherein the first formulationcomprises a hydrophobic delivery vehicle and the second formulationcomprises a hydrophilic delivery vehicle.
 5. The method as set forth inclaim 1 wherein one of the first formulation or the second formulationis a cleansing formulation comprising a thickener in an amount of fromabout 0.01% (by weight) to about 5% (by weight) of thickener.
 6. Themethod as set forth in claim 1 wherein one of the first formulation orthe second formulation is a treatment formulation comprising a treatmentagent selected from the group consisting of appearance modifying agents,exfoliating agents, wound care agents, scar repair agents, therapeuticagents, pharmaceuticals, xenobiotics, detangling agents, skin colorationagents, shine control agents, hair growth promoters, colorant agents,anti-dandruff agents, anti-inflammatory agents, fragrances, odorneutralizing agents, soothing agents, calming agents, antiperspirants,deodorants, botanical extracts, peptides, natural and synthetic fats andoils, moisture absorbers, conditioning agents, skin toning agents, andcombinations thereof.
 7. The method as set forth in claim 1 furtherdispensing a third formulation from the dispensing unit sequentiallyafter the second formulation, wherein the third formulation is adifferent formulation, is substantially immiscible with the secondformulation, and is not capable of being dispensed from the dispensingunit simultaneously with either of the first formulation or secondformulation.
 8. The method as set forth in claim 7 wherein the first,second, and third formulations independently comprise delivery vehiclesselected from the group consisting of hydrophobic delivery vehicles;hydrophilic delivery vehicles; combinations of hydrophobic deliveryvehicles and hydrophilic delivery vehicles; siliphilic deliveryvehicles; and combinations of hydrophobic delivery vehicles, hydrophilicdelivery vehicles, and siliphilic delivery vehicles.
 9. The method asset forth in claim 7 wherein at least one of the first formulation,second formulation, or third formulation is a finishing formulationcomprising a finishing agent selected from the group consisting ofmoisturizing agents, moisture-barrier enhancing agents, skinconditioning agents, styling agents, fragrances, botanical extracts,powders, and combinations thereof.
 10. The method as set forth in claim7 further dispensing a fourth formulation from the dispensing unitsequentially after the third formulation, wherein the fourth formulationis a different formulation and is substantially immiscible with thethird formulation, and wherein the fourth formulation is not dispensedfrom the dispensing unit simultaneously with either of the first orsecond formulations.
 11. The method as set forth in claim 10 wherein thefirst, second, third, and fourth formulations independently comprisedelivery vehicles selected from the group consisting of hydrophobicdelivery vehicles; hydrophilic delivery vehicles; combinations ofhydrophobic delivery vehicles and hydrophilic delivery vehicles;siliphilic delivery vehicles; and combinations of hydrophobic deliveryvehicles, hydrophilic delivery vehicles, and siliphilic deliveryvehicles.
 12. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first andsecond formulations further independently comprise a visual enhancer.13. A method of using a multi-phase care system, the method comprising:dispensing a cleansing formulation from a dispensing unit; anddispensing a toning formulation from the dispensing unit, wherein thecleansing and toning formulations are different formulations beingsubstantially immiscible and are not capable of being dispensed from thedispensing unit simultaneously, and wherein the cleansing and toningformulations are dispensed sequentially.
 14. The method as set forth inclaim 13 wherein the cleansing formulation comprises a thickener in anamount of from about 0.01% (by weight) to about 5% (by weight) ofthickener.
 15. The method as set forth in claim 13 further dispensing afinishing formulation from the dispensing unit sequentially after thetoning formulation, wherein the finishing formulation is a differentformulation, is substantially immiscible with the toning formulation,and is not capable of being dispensed from the dispensing unitsimultaneously with either of the cleansing formulation or toningformulation.
 16. The method as set forth in claim 15 wherein thefinishing formulation comprises a finishing agent selected from thegroup consisting of moisturizing agents, moisture-barrier enhancingagents, skin conditioning agents, styling agents, fragrances, botanicalextracts, powders, and combinations thereof.
 17. The method as set forthin claim 13 wherein the cleansing and toning formulations furtherindependently comprise a visual enhancer.